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TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG LEADERS (TOYL)

2025 NOMINATIONS OPEN AUGUST 7

Each year, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation honors ten emerging leaders through its prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards. These individuals stand out for their exceptional ability to enhance their companies and communities by driving forward-thinking strategies that strengthen our region’s competitiveness and long-term vibrancy.  

Past honorees—including transformational figures like Representative Ayanna Pressley, Melissa MacDonnell, Founder & President of Liberty Mutual Foundation, TJ Parker, Founder & CEO of Urban Grape, and Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh—have gone on to make significant civic, social, and economic impacts not only in Greater Boston, but across the state and nation. Through this award, the Chamber Foundation proudly recognizes and celebrates these leaders embodying the values and vision that move our communities forward—honoring every voice, every story, and every bold contribution. 

About City Awake

City Awake centers young professionals, seeking to welcome and retain them in Greater Boston with an intentional strategy of cross-sector collaboration to increase their social capital through a blend of programming. Its programming is designed to promote civic engagement; connect them to personal and professional networks across industries and communities; and strengthen the region’s inclusivity efforts while highlighting its cultural vibrancy.

Questions? See the FAQs tab or contact Senior Program Manager, Jessica Sanon.

CRITERIA

Below are the eligibility criteria for the TOYL awards. If you know of anyone who fits these criteria, nominate them today. Note: Business associations and their staff members do not qualify.

  • Nominee must be under 40 years old before November 1, 2025. 
  • Nominee must hold and demonstrate outstanding leadership within their organization or industry. 
  • Nominees must show a connection to their community or city outside of their professional career. 
  • Nominee must live or work in Greater Boston for 1+ years. 
  • Nominees must submit a completed application by the stated deadline and highlight their leadership and community contributions specifically tied to Greater Boston.
  • The nominee demonstrates one or more of the following qualities: 
    • Collaborative: Works across a diverse network to enhance their community and organization making Greater Boston the best place to live and work. 
    • Adaptable: Embraces and encourages new and different ideas, opinions, and ways of working together in order to propel the Greater Boston community.
    • Influential: Uses formal or informal influence to advance the mission and goals of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation by using their individual platform for good (examples include climate change, economic opportunities, women’s rights, rights for people of color, supporting small businesses, elevating the next generation, etc.). They speak up against injustices and elevate the voices of those around them.
    • Accountable: Demonstrates reliability, trust, and strength of character to their colleagues and community members.
    • Resilient: Clear track record of overcoming obstacles successfully with a clear path for growth.
    • Ethical Leadership: Demonstrates exemplary and ethical leadership that has made a tangible, positive difference within their organization or network. 
    • Empathetic: Lifts others while they climb and leads with empathy and soft skills. 

 * Business associations and their staff members do not qualify. 

AWARD CATEGORIES 

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards look to recognize leaders in all sectors of Greater Boston’s business and civic community. To ensure the T.OY.L. Awards accurately reflect the full scope of Boston’s business and civic community, honorees will need to select a specific category listed below when submitting an application. While there are many worthy nominees across all categories, the awards committee tries to ensure that the percentage of winners in each sector reflects the size of that sector in Greater Boston.  

Award Categories:  

  1. Entrepreneurship: A current founder of a business that has been in operation for at least 5 years or has been a member of a founding team at some point in their career. 

  1. Professional Services: A person advancing the work at their company through innovative approaches to projects. This includes professionals in fields such as law, finance, consulting, marketing, and other service-based industries.  

  1. *Nonprofit: A person who has extensive experience working in the nonprofit sector regardless of the industry they serve. This category honors those dedicated to creating social good, showing leadership in addressing societal challenges.  

  1. Education and Arts: A person delivering impactful programs and services that enhance educational attainment or foster cultural vibrancy in Greater Boston. 

  1. Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Lifesciences: An individual expanding access to health-related products, service, or processes that improves the livelihood and conditions of communities.  

  1. Government: A government official or individual working in government for at least three years who has demonstrated a commitment to amplifying local and/or state initiatives. 

  1. Hospitality and Food Services: An individual excelling in the hospitality and food services industry by providing exceptional service, innovative dining experiences, or supporting sustainable food practices.  

  1. Operations and Administrative Functions: A person with at least two years' experience improving internal processes and operations within their company.  

  1. Energy, Climate, and Construction: An individual advancing sustainable products and practices within the climate and energy space. 

  1. Technology: An individual contributing to technological advances that enhance overall business performance and drive innovation - introducing technological solutions that lead to efficiency, growth, and transformation across various industries.  

* Higher Education institutions and arts & culture organizations are separate. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is two-fold: we ask for a nomination application, followed by a nominee application. A nominator must apply in order for the nominee to receive an invitation to complete their form. Please note that completed applications must be submitted on time to be considered for this award. 

How it works: You may nominate yourself or someone else. That individual will then get notified to fill out a nominee profile. Filling out this profile is required to move to the final round of applicants. After the deadline, a committee will review all applicants and vote for the top 10 best applicants. Winners will be notified and informed about next steps. All honorees will be featured during a fully virtual campaign celebrating their achievements and the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Boston Cohort for the Young American Leaders Program (YALP) hosted by Harvard Business School. 

Submission Timeline:  

  • Nominations Open: August 7, 2025

  • Nominations Due: September 10, 2025

Please note: Nominations for this award may be made by both Boston Chamber member and non-member organizations. 

Once nominations are in: 

  • Nominee Due Date: Nominees must submit a nominee profile by October 7.

Submissions: All applications must be electronically submitted here.

 

 

Thank you to our City Awake funders!

 

 

 

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